§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations were carried out with health authorities with regard to the availability of extra hospital beds to cater for patients that need nursing care but who are not now able to enter or be discharged from nursing homes because they own or have not disposed of their own house.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 18 April 1988]: The possession of property does not prevent someone from being admitted on a permanent basis to a nursing home, or remaining in a nursing home, but ownership of property valued over £6,000 net will mean there is no entitlement to income support.